Abstract
In allopathy, the treatment of psoriasis has many limitations and after-effects. But, Ayurveda has an answer to all this. Read the article to know more.
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Published on Feb 11, 2017 and last reviewed on Nov 11, 2022 - 5 min read
Abstract
In allopathy, the treatment of psoriasis has many limitations and after-effects. But, Ayurveda has an answer to all this. Read the article to know more.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder wherein a patient's skin typically has red, itchy, and scaly patches. Sometimes, the patches are whitish. The types of psoriasis are plaque, nail, guttate, inverse, pustular, psoriatic, and erythrodermic.
The factors that can trigger psoriasis are:
Stress.
Smoking.
Infections, such as strep throat or skin infections.
Weather that is cold and dry.
Injury to the skin, like a cut or scrape, a bug bite, or a severe sunburn.
Heavy alcohol consumption.
Rapid withdrawal of oral or systemic corticosteroids.
Certain medications like lithium, high blood pressure medications, and antimalarial drugs.
The symptoms of psoriasis include:
Rashes and red patches of inflamed skin are often covered with thick, silvery scales.
Itchy, painful skin that can crack or bleed.
Small scaling spots.
Small areas of bleeding where the involved skin is scratched.
Itching, burning, or soreness.
Scaly plaques on the scalp.
Thickened, pitted, or ridged nails.
Swollen and stiff joints.
The plaques will grow, join together, and cover large areas in severe cases.
Discoloration and pitting in the fingernails and toenails.
The nails may also begin to crumble or detach from the nail bed.
People with psoriasis also have the risk of developing:
Cardiovascular disease.
Eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and uveitis.
Psoriatic arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in and around the joints.
Mental health conditions, such as low self-esteem and depression.
Other autoimmune diseases, like celiac disease, sclerosis, and the inflammatory bowel disease called Crohn's disease.
In allopathy (modern medicine), management of psoriasis is by topical agents, light exposure, immunosuppressants, etc. But, this treatment does not have a long-lasting effect. These procedures often develop resistance to the drugs, and the patient is always immunocompromised. As a result, the patient can catch any communicable infection very quickly. Moreover, these medicines never prevent after-effects of psoriasis-like psoriatic arthritis, sexual weakness, etc. If the disease is advanced in females, pregnancy is avoided in the modern medical system. However, Ayurveda has an answer to all this.
Ayurveda is an ancient, holistic form of treatment that originated in northern India. It has been believed that good health depends on a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
It relies heavily on herbal remedies and living a healthy lifestyle, which includes:
A healthy diet.
Exercise such as yoga.
Lifestyle changes.
Meditation.
Detoxification.
Ayurveda usually relies on the five basic elements, which include:
Air.
Earth.
Fire.
Ether (space).
Water.
All these elements will combine in the body to form life forces called doshas. The three doshas are:
Vata (ether and air).
Pitta (fire and water).
Kapha (water and earth).
It has been believed by the ayurvedic specialists that psoriasis results from unbalanced Vata and Kapha doshas. They think that toxins, stress, and too much of certain foods, like yogurt, seafood, and salty food, can also be blamed. Ayurveda specialists also say that meditation and the practice of Pranayama (a method of controlled breathing techniques) may be beneficial in reducing their psoriasis in a person.
In Ayurveda, it is regarded as one of the many types of Kushta rog, more precisely Eka Kushta or Mandal Kushta. Some of the ayurvedic scholars even co-relate it with Kitibha Kushta. The management of most skin disorders in Ayurveda is the same, with some variations according to the patient's disease and Prakruti (composition).
I am giving a generalized viewpoint of ayurvedic management for all types of psoriasis. Treatment may vary from person to person as and when needed.
To start with, ensure the patient's GIT (gastrointestinal tract) is cleared of all toxicity. In the case of psoriasis, Virechana is done at the beginning of the treatment to remove toxicity and ensure proper absorption of the drugs, which shall be administered later during therapy. Virechana can be done as Mridu Virechana, Madhya Virechana, or Tikshan Virechana as per the Agni Bala of the patient, which the doctor shall determine.
In Shaman Chikitsa, a lot of ayurvedic drugs can be used, ranging from blood purifiers to skin repairing agents. The doctor determines the drugs and the regime to be followed.
Raktamokshan has tremendous results in psoriasis. It can be done every 15 days or as per need. After completing treatment and subsiding the symptoms, the patients need to continue with Raktamokshan every six months.
Many Bala Chikitsa options are available in Ayurveda, ranging from Rasayanas to food and drugs. The Bala (strength) of the patient is increased after the completion of treatment to avoid future encounters with the disease.
The foods to avoid to treat psoriasis include:
High-carbohydrate ingredients.
Foods with large amounts of sugar.
Too much sour.
Too many acidic foods.
Too much salt.
People undergoing treatment for psoriasis or any other disease should listen to their body by responding to the urges to urinate or defecate, which helps remove toxins from the body.
The herbs that can be used to treat psoriasis are:
Aloe vera.
Garlic.
Black nightshade.
Boswellia, or frankincense.
Neem.
Guggul.
Jasmine flower paste.
People should get advice from their doctor before including any ayurvedic herbs in their regimen. Natural soothing oils, like coconut or olive oils, can be applied in a smaller amount on the scalp, elbows, and plaques to help soften and relieve the symptoms of itching and discomfort from psoriasis.
Conclusion:
Overall there is a huge success rate in Ayurveda regarding psoriasis. We have treated many patients suffering from this dreadful disease, and they are leading healthy lives now. Furthermore, according to a study, people who had diets that included vegans, paleo, high-protein, and low-carbohydrate saw improvements in psoriasis symptoms. Therefore, this proves that ayurvedic dietary choices are potentially healthy for people with psoriasis.
There is no existing cure for psoriasis. Treatment can help to manage psoriasis. Home remedies such as aloe vera and turmeric can help in managing psoriasis naturally.
According to ayurvedic studies, psoriasis arises due to an imbalance of areas of energy. Ayurvedic treatment used to treat psoriasis is called panchakarma therapy. Panchakarma is a plant-based remedy that includes dietary changes. It basically helps to purify and detox the body. Panchkarma therapy involves the consumption of ghee for seven to ten days.
Psoriasis can be treated by destroying the skin cells. The treatment option includes light therapy, injected medications, and topical therapy. Treatment of psoriasis can improve the symptoms and lowers the health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, depression, and heart disease.
Some studies suggest that ayurvedic treatment is more effective in treating psoriasis. The ayurveda suggests the consumption of ghee treat psoriasis. It takes seven to ten days for the ayurveda to work on psoriasis.
The food that helps to control psoriasis are nuts, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fish. However, food alone cannot cure psoriasis; salicylic acid and vitamin D also work against psoriasis.
Mild corticosteroids are recommended in sensitive areas such as skin folds or the face. Topical corticosteroids can be applied once a day for better results. Omega 3 fatty acid, turmeric, aloe vera, and stress relieving activities work effectively against psoriasis.
The cause of psoriasis is usually unknown. It is an auto-immune condition with infection-fighting cells that attacks healthy skin unknowingly. According to studies, environmental and genetic plays an important role in causing psoriasis.
There is no such cure for psoriasis. Psoriasis cannot disappear on its own; it requires prompt treatment. Treatment of psoriasis can help to lower the risk of developing health conditions and improve the symptoms. Psoriasis can not be cured permanently because it is an auto-immune condition. However, the condition can be managed with medication (corticosteroids) and lifestyle changes.
Psoriasis can be avoided by using moisturizing cream and avoiding cold and dry weather. Skincare is the foremost important thing to protect against psoriasis. Lifestyle modifications and medication can help to manage its symptoms.
Vitamin D topical ointment helps to clear the psoriasis scales. Vitamin D helps to change the growth pattern of the new cells. It is the most effective vitamin against psoriasis.
In some cases, psoriasis can disappear on its own. The immune system stops attacking its own cells, which prevents the occurrence of psoriasis. However, it always requires treatment to relieve symptoms.
The autoimmune system causes the skin and connective tissue to tighten and harden. It affects the organs such as the kidneys, lungs, and heart. It is also known as inflammatory bowel disease.
Psoriasis can get worse depending on the environment. It usually does not get worse with the age of a person. Stress and obesity are possible reasons that lead to psoriasis.
Psoriasis makes the skin cells out of control leading to a scaly appearance of the skin. They can change the chemical levels in the brain that causes mood swings. It affects the brain adversely.
Petroleum jelly, such as vaseline, is used to treat psoriasis. It helps to trap moisture and relief symptoms. Unscented lotions containing ceramide are better options for the treatment of psoriasis.
Last reviewed at:
11 Nov 2022 - 5 min read
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